Chapter 236: Chapter 236

However, the more curious they got, the members from Veridia became even more secretive, making everyone itch with curiosity. Finally, they pointed to Paige Sterling and said, "Of course, it’s all because of Miss Sterling. She’s not only an outstanding researcher with remarkable studies in biomedical science, but she’s also tailored a hair growth solution specifically addressing the causes of our baldness. In just two months, we’ve grown a head full of beautiful hair. How about that? Are you envious?"

Envious, incredibly envious.

Everyone looked over at Paige Sterling.

You say you’re skilled in research, but you can even make hair growth solutions?

Others from various countries who were on good terms with Old Professor Keating immediately gathered around.

"So, if we ask Miss Sterling to create a tailored hair growth solution for us, would she be willing?"

"Of course not, you know how time-consuming that is? We have a good relationship with Miss Sterling; that’s why she helped us. She has already stated that she won’t customize hair growth solutions for people anymore."

Seeing everyone getting anxious, the Veridia member changed their tone and said:

"But you don’t need to be too anxious. Although Miss Sterling said she won’t personally customize hair growth solutions in the future, she has a company that produces them in batches. Although these aren’t as quick as the customized ones, everyone who has used them says they’re good. In our country, this solution sells extremely well, and many of our bald citizens have improved their baldness with this solution...

Without a hint of subtlety, they advertised for Paige’s Aura Company.

Since Paige Sterling solved such a big baldness problem for them, they naturally had to promote her more.

More importantly, they were doing a service for all humanity.

Once these people grow hair, they’ll realize just how amazing the talents from Veridia are.

At the subsequent exchange conference, although the various countries were secretly competing, on the surface, the atmosphere was harmonious.

As the new rising star in the research community this year, everyone was most curious about Paige Sterling. Many tried probing her, hoping to prove that Paige wasn’t as formidable as rumored.

In the end, no matter how hard they tried, they all lost to Paige.

That’s when they realized Paige’s reputation was not undeserved; it wasn’t due to hype or special effects, but real talent.

Veridia having such talent truly put pressure on everyone.

Meanwhile, many also came to ask Paige about the hair growth solution.

Actually, Aura’s products have already been exported to some countries but haven’t become widespread, so many people probably haven’t heard of them.

Paige really didn’t have time to customize for each person; she could only direct them to buy Aura’s products.

As for whether they could buy them, that wasn’t her concern.

Halfway through, Paige extricated herself from the questions of the international representatives and went to the restroom.

On her way out, Walter Woodward stopped her. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⁂𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⁂𝕟𝕖𝕥

"Miss Sterling, no need for self-introduction; I assume you know who I am."

Paige sized up the middle-aged man in front of her. She was embarrassed to say she didn’t know who he was. Even if she mingled in the research circles, aside from Old Professor Keating and a few professors at her school, she didn’t really know anyone.

Furthermore, Walter Woodward wasn’t on the list of this Veridia delegation, so his sudden appearance was baffling.

Paige replied insincerely, "I’ve heard so much about you."

Walter was pleased, "The reason I’m not on the list this time is because I’m too busy and declined. But later, I thought, since Miss Sterling is also attending the conference, it’s better I come. After all, there are things more appropriate to discuss in person."

Walter continued righteously, "Miss Sterling, although you are young, your achievements are commendable. However, you must understand, technology is the primary productive force. It’s useless if only your company develops technology; our whole nation’s technology needs to advance so we can become stronger. If you can contribute even a small part of your achievements to the nation, all citizens will be grateful to you, and you’ll be eternally remembered with gratitude by future generations..."

Seeing Paige not responding, he continued lecturing, essentially urging her to stand at the height of societal development when conducting research. The idea was that her research achievements shouldn’t be hidden but should be shared with the nation, contributing to the country. He even criticized Paige for charging money when serving the nation’s people.

It made Paige want to retort that she wasn’t using public funds for her research; she was using her own money. If her inventions didn’t make money, where would she find funds to buy materials?

Under his righteous condemnation, Paige seemed to be a criminal of the era, hindering societal progress.

Paige was expressionless.

Penson’s mecha was originally researched with national support; otherwise, how could she dare research something more advanced than the nation’s current capabilities? Her family lived in Veridia, and she herself needed to live there too. How could she possibly oppose her own country single-handedly? Therefore, almost all her research was conducted under the country’s scrutiny.

Any sensible person could figure that out. Since Paige dared to showcase the mecha, she must have received government approval.

And that was indeed the case. The nation had long controlled the mecha data, but Veridia liked to be low-key. Sometimes, hiding one’s strength could be beneficial.

To those who knew, they weren’t ordinary people.

Walter didn’t know, evidently because the government felt he wasn’t fit to know.

Yet to Walter, it seemed she was withholding privately.

Seeing he’d been talking so long with Paige still silent, Walter thought she wasn’t yet aware enough to contribute to society, so he continued, "I know your generation has different values from ours, but I still hope Miss Sterling can have a broader perspective, think more for our nation. After all, the peaceful times you live in today are because you have the nation as your solid backing. If our nation gets stronger, even your descendants can enjoy such peaceful times in the future..."

If the country didn’t become strong enough, then it was Paige’s fault.

Who’s to blame when you possess such advanced technology but refuse to offer it?

Paige was about to speak when Old Professor Keating approached, glaring at Walter disapprovingly.

"Professor Woodward, instead of putting your energy into morally coercing a young girl, you should think about how to conduct research properly."

After all, Paige Sterling didn’t use public funds to achieve nothing.

For the little bit that Walter had researched, he still claimed to contribute to the nation, always boasting about his achievements online.

With all the funds invested, do your contributions measure up?